Multi-mode lighting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multi-mode lighting system includes a collector unit having a base including a cavity and a transparent or translucent cover mounted on the base. The system further includes a lighting module having a base, a transparent or translucent cover and a photovoltaic element mounted therein. A plurality of fiber optic filaments extend from the collector to the lighting module to transmit radiation from first ends of the fiber optic filaments to second ends of the fiber optic elements. The first ends of the fiber optic filaments are disposed in an array in the collector unit to receive radiation and second ends are disposed in an array in the lighting module to emit radiation received by the first ends of the fiber optic filaments. Radiation transmitted by the fiber optic filaments illuminates an area external to the lighting module and impinges the photovoltaic element to generate electricity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/915,384, filed on Jun. 11, 2013, which published on Dec. 26, 2013, asU.S. Application Publication No. 2013-0343078, and issued as U.S. Pat.No. 9,140,418 on Sep. 22, 2015. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/915,384 isa Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/916,224, filed on Oct.29, 2010, which published on May 5, 2011, as U.S. ApplicationPublication No. 2011-0103088, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,851 onJun. 11, 2013. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/916,224 claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/256,817, filed on Oct. 30, 2009,which is now expired. U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/915,384, 12/916,224and 61/256,817, U.S. Application Publication Nos. 2013-0343078 and2011-0103088, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,140,418 and 8,459,851, areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates to building lighting and, inparticular, to a multi-mode lighting apparatus that may be powered by anumber of different sources.

BACKGROUND

Issues relating to energy conservation and the use of alternativesources of energy have come to the forefront of public concern. This isparticularly true in the case of building lighting. It is anticipatedthat traditional incandescent light bulbs will soon be legislated out ofexistence due to inefficiency. However, currently available lightingsystems do not provide the necessary flexibility and adaptability toutilize alternative energy sources to reliably provide lighting forinterior areas. Thus, there exists a need for reliable systems andmethods that utilize alternative energy sources for lighting theinteriors of residences and other buildings and simultaneously providereliable backup lighting in the event that alternative energy sourcesare not available.

SUMMARY

In one aspect thereof, a multi-mode lighting system includes a collectorunit having a base including a cavity and a transparent or translucentcover mounted on the base. The system further includes a lighting modulehaving a base, a transparent or translucent cover and a photovoltaicelement mounted therein. A plurality of fiber optic filaments extendfrom the collector to the lighting module to transmit radiation fromfirst ends of the fiber optic filaments to second ends of the fiberoptic elements. The first ends of the fiber optic filaments are disposedin an array in the collector unit to receive radiation and second endsare disposed in an array in the lighting module to emit radiationreceived by the first ends of the fiber optic filaments. Radiationtransmitted by the fiber optic filaments illuminates an area external tothe lighting module and impinges the photovoltaic element to generateelectricity. In one variation, the base of the collector unit includes awall defining the cavity wherein the wall includes a reflective surfaceformed on the inside surface of the wall. In other embodiments, thelighting module may include a battery for storing electricity generatedby the photovoltaic element.

In one embodiment, a multi-mode lighting system includes a collectorunit having a collector base including a wall defining a cavity with areflective surface. A transparent or translucent cover is mounted on thecollector base over the cavity and encloses the cavity. A lightingmodule of the system includes a module base with a transparent ortranslucent cover mounted over the module base to form an enclosure witha photovoltaic element mounted within the enclosure. A plurality offiber optic filaments extend from the collector unit to the lightingmodule. The fiber optic filaments have first ends disposed in an arrayin the collector unit to receive radiation and second ends disposed inan array in the lighting module whereby radiation received by the firstends of the fiber optic filaments is transmitted from the collector unitto the lighting module. The transmitted radiation illuminates an areaexternal to the lighting module and impinges the photovoltaic element togenerate electricity. In one variation, a plurality of externallypowerable light sources are mounted within the enclosure.

The photovoltaic element may have a generally circular geometry and maybe configured to extend around an interior circumference of the cover.In another variation, the photovoltaic element comprises a plurality ofdiscreet photovoltaic units mounted within the enclosure. Electricitygenerated by the photovoltaic element may be used to charge a batteryassociated with the lighting module. Externally powerable light sourcesmay be mounted within the module and in one variation, the light sourcesmay be light emitting diodes. A light sensor and control unit may beprovided to determine the intensity of light in the area illuminated bythe lighting module and to power the external light sources as needed tosupply the desired level of illumination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingDrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a multi-mode lighting apparatusand system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a collector unit suitable for usewith the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the collector unit of FIG. 2illustrating the arrangement of fiber optic filaments in the unit;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of a lighting module suitable for usewith the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the lighting module of FIG. 4illustrating the arrangement of components in the module;

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of a first photovoltaic element for usewith the module of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view of an alternate, second photovoltaicelement for use with the module of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one method of operation of the systemof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a system, generallydesignated 100, for lighting an enclosure such as building 102 includesa collector unit 104, which may be mounted on the roof 106 of thebuilding. In one variation, collector 104 includes a transparent ortranslucent, high-diffusion, dome-shaped cover 108 mounted on a base orshroud 110. Although as illustrated, cover 108 is dome-shaped orsemi-cylindrical, covers having other geometries may be employed.

The first ends of a plurality of fiber optic filaments 114 are exposedwithin collector 104 to receive radiation (e.g., visible, UV and/orinfrared, depending upon the particular fibers) emitted from the sun116. Fiber optic filaments 114 are fastened together to form a lighttube or bundle 118 that extends between collector 104 and a lightingmodule 120 mounted inside building 102. Fiber optic filaments 114receive and transmit radiation from collector 104 to interior lightingmodule 120 to light the interior of building 102. While as shown, module120 is mounted inside an enclosed structure; in other embodiments, themodule may be mounted in other locations where lighting is needed. Forexample, module 120 may be mounted in a semi-enclosed structure such asa carport or beneath an outdoor canopy.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken through collector 104 furtherillustrating the structure of the collector. As illustrated, cover 108encloses cavity 130 defined by base 110. In one embodiment, base 110 mayinclude mounting brackets or anchor points 122. Anchor points 122 may beconfigured to receive anchors 124 to securely mount collector 104 ontoroof 106 of building 102 (FIG. 1). Anchors 124 may be nails, screws,bolts or other suitable conventional fasteners. In one embodiment, aplurality of mounting brackets 122 may be located at spaced apartintervals around the circumference of base 110. In another embodiment, asingle, collar-shaped mounting bracket 122 may extend continuouslyaround the circumference of base 110. In yet another embodiment,internal anchors 126 may extend from within base 110 into roof 106 ofbuilding 102 to secure collector 104 in position.

Referring still to FIG. 2, fiber optic filaments 114 may extend frombundle 118 and be arranged in a generally circular array 128 to maximizethe amount of radiation collected by the filaments and to avoidinterference between the filaments. FIG. 3 is a partial top view ofcollector 104 further illustrating the arrangement of fiber opticfilaments 114 within collector 104. In one embodiment, fiber opticfilaments 114 extend from bundle 118 into a cavity 130 formed withinbase 110. As illustrated, cavity 130 is generally conical orsemi-cylindrical; however, other cavities 130 may have differentgeometries. A reflective coating or layer 132 may be formed over theinterior wall 134 of cavity 130 to maximize radiation collection byfiber optic filaments 114. In other embodiments, wall 134 of cavity 130may be formed from a reflective material, such as a polished metal toaccomplish the same effect.

In one embodiment, a light sensor, such as a light detecting chip 136may be mounted in or on base 110. Light sensor 136 monitors the amountand/or intensity of light passing through cover 108. The output of lightsensor 136 may be used to determine the amount of radiation that is, orshould be collected by fiber optic filaments 114.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken through lighting module 120.Module 120 may include a transparent or translucent cover 140 mounted ona base 141 to form an enclosure 143. In one embodiment, cover 140 andbase 141 are an integral unit. Base 141 and/or cover 140 may be providedwith mounting brackets 142 for mounting module 120 on a structure, forexample the ceiling of a structure such as building 102 (FIG. 1).Suitable fasteners 144 may be received through mounting brackets 142 tosecure module 120 in position. A control unit 160 and light sensor 162may be mounted on or adjacent lighting module 120 to control theoperation of the unit as hereinafter described. Sensor 162 may determinethe intensity of light in the area illuminated by lighting module 120.In various embodiments, lighting module 120 may be provided with abattery or batteries 148 and an external power connection 164 (e.g., 110AC, 220 DC or other power source) and a transformer 170 to supply powerto the module. A manual switch 168 may be provided to activate controlunit 160.

Referring still to FIG. 4, fiber optic filaments 114 extend from bundle118 inside cover 140 with the second ends of the filaments exposedbeneath the cover. Fiber optic filaments 114 may be arranged withincover 140 in a circular array as illustrated in FIG. 3 to emit radiationcollected by the filaments in collector 104 so as to provide lighting tothe area below lighting module 120. In one embodiment, lighting module120 is also provided with a photovoltaic element 146. In thisembodiment, radiation emitted from fiber optic filaments 114 may impingephotovoltaic element 146 to produce electricity. Electricity produced byphotovoltaic element 146 may be used to charge battery 148 mountedwithin cover 140. In other embodiments, battery 148 may be mounted onthe exterior surface of lighting module 120 or in another location.

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of lighting module 120 further illustratingthe configuration of the module. As shown, photovoltaic element 146 hasa generally circular or collar shaped geometry and is sized to extendaround the interior circumference of cover 140. FIG. 6 is a partialcross sectional view of one embodiment of photovoltaic element 146wherein, photovoltaic element 146 includes a continuous photovoltaicfilm 152 applied over a support 154 as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is apartial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of photovoltaicelement 146 wherein a plurality of discrete photovoltaic cells 156 aremounted on support 158. Other configurations of photovoltaic element 146are possible.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 and 5, lighting module 120 may be providedwith one or more powered light sources such as LEDs (Light EmittingDiodes) 150 to provide light when the amount of radiation received bycollector 104 is insufficient to provide the desired amount of light. Alight monitor or sensor 162 may be used to determine the amount and/orintensity of light available in the area illuminated by lighting module120, typically adjacent to or below the lighting module, to control theoperation of LEDs 150. LEDs 150 may be powered in different ways ashereinafter described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating one method of operation of system100. Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the process begins at 800 with theactivation of the system, for example, by means of switch 168 (FIG. 4)connected to a control unit 160. Switch 168 may be a manual switchlocated remote from lighting module 120 at a user convenient location.For example, switch 168 may be a wall-mounted unit mounted at a locationreadily accessible to a user. In other embodiments, control unit 160 maybe activated by a timer (not shown) during predetermined time periods,for example from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. At step 802, the ambient lightingin the area is determined with light sensor 162 (FIG. 4) which isconnected to control unit 160.

The amount and/or intensity of ambient light detected by sensor 162 iscompared to a desired predetermined value at step 804. This function maybe performed by control unit 160. If the ambient light level is at orabove the desired predetermined value, the process loops back to start.The level of ambient light may be monitored continuously, or atpredetermined intervals and the sensed level transmitted to control unit160.

If the ambient light level is below the desired level, at step 806 thecharge status of battery or batteries 148 is determined. If battery 148is charged sufficiently to power LEDs 150, control unit 160 connects thebattery to the LEDs at step 808, for example, by means of a solid-stateswitch 166 or similar device to generate sufficient light to provide thedesired predetermined light level. In one embodiment, control unit 160provides only enough power to LEDs 150 to achieve the desired lightlevel by controlling the voltage and/or current supplied to the LEDs. Inthis variation, a combination of radiation received by collector 104 andlight supplied from LEDs 150 is used to supply the desired level oflighting until the radiation from collector 104 is sufficient to providethe desired level of lighting. When it is determined at step 810 thatsufficient light is being received by collector 104 to achieve thedesired degree of light, control unit 160 disconnects battery 148, andthe process loops back to start.

If the charge level of battery or batteries 148 is insufficient to powerLEDs 150, control unit 160 connects external power source 164 to LEDs150 to illuminate the LEDs at step 812. In one variation, power fromexternal power source 164 is supplied to transformer 170, which convertsthe external power to a form (typically low voltage, direct current)suitable for powering LEDs 150. Control unit 160 may control the voltageand/or current supplied to LEDs 150 to supply only enough light toachieve the desired predetermined level of lighting. In an alternateembodiment, the step (806) of checking the charge status of battery orbatteries 148 may be omitted. In this variation, if LEDs 150 do notprovide sufficient light to supply the desired lighting, control unit160 automatically switches to external power source 164 to illuminateLEDs 150. When it is determined at step 814 that sufficient light isbeing received by collector 104 to achieve the desired degree of light,control unit 160 disconnects external power source 164 and the processloops back to start.

Power from external power source 164 may also be used to rechargebattery or batteries 148 under the control of control unit 160. Forexample, if control unit 160 determines that battery or batteries 148are discharged and light sensor or chip 136 in collector 104 (FIG. 2)indicates that no radiation is available to generate power fromphotovoltaic element 146 (FIG. 2), external power may be used to chargebattery or batteries 148. Thus, external power source 164 may beutilized to charge battery or batteries 148 at night or other times whencollector 104 is unable to collect sufficient radiation to generateelectricity with photovoltaic element 146.

As will be appreciated, numerous variations are possible. For example, anumber of discrete devices may be utilized to perform the functions ofcontrol unit 160. In other variations, mechanical, electro-optic ormagneto-optic switching may be utilized to selectively direct radiationtransmitted by fiber optic filaments 114 such that the radiation may bedirected to provide lighting or, alternatively, to impinge onphotovoltaic element 146 to generate electricity.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that the multi-mode lighting system and apparatusdisclosed herein provides a means of conserving energy while providingconsistent lighting at a desired level. It should be understood that thedrawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended tobe limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On thecontrary, included are any further modifications, changes,rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, andembodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the followingclaims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted toembrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements,substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

1. A multi-mode lighting system comprising: a collector unit including:a collector base including a cavity; a transparent or translucent firstcover mounted on the base; a lighting module including: a module base; atransparent or translucent second cover; a plurality of fiber opticfilaments extending from the collector unit to the lighting module, thefiber optic filaments having first ends disposed in an array in thecollector unit to receive radiation and second ends disposed in an arrayin the lighting module whereby radiation received by the first ends ofthe fiber optic filaments is transmitted from the collector unit to thelighting module and wherein the transmitted radiation illuminates anarea external to the lighting module; a plurality of light emittingdiodes mounted within the lighting module; and a control unitoperatively connected to the plurality of light emitting diodes andselectively transmitting and blocking power to the light emitting diodessuch that when power is transmitted, the light emitting diodesilluminate the area external to the lighting module, and when power isblocked, the light emitting diodes do not illuminate the area externalto the lighting module.
 2. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 1,further comprising a battery operatively connected to the control unitsuch that electrical power stored within the battery can be transmittedby the control unit to power the light emitting diodes.
 3. Themulti-mode lighting system of claim 2, further comprising a photovoltaicelement that generates electricity when exposed to radiation, thephotovoltaic element being operatively connected to the battery forcharging the battery with the generated electricity.
 4. The multi-modelighting system of claim 1, further comprising a light sensor associatedwith the lighting module for determining the intensity of light in thearea adjacent to the lighting module.
 5. The multi-mode lighting systemof claim 4, wherein the light sensor is operatively connected to thecontrol unit to cause the control unit to transmit power to the lightemitting diodes when the intensity of light in the area adjacent to thelighting module drops below a predetermined level, whereby the lightemitting diodes provide light in the area adjacent to the lightingmodule.
 6. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 5, further comprisinga battery operatively connected to the control unit for supplying powerto the light emitting diodes through the control unit when the lightintensity in the area adjacent to the lighting module drops below apredetermined level.
 7. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 6,further comprising a connection for an external power source operativelyconnected to the control unit for supplying power from the externalpower source to the light emitting diodes through the control unit whenthe light intensity in the area adjacent to the lighting module dropsbelow a predetermined level and the power available from the batteryalone is insufficient to power the light emitting diodes.
 8. Themulti-mode lighting system of claim 1, wherein the control unit isactivated by one of a manual switch or timer.
 9. A multi-mode lightingsystem comprising: a collector unit for mounting in a first locationexposed to a radiation source; a lighting module for mounting in asecond location remote from the first location; a plurality of fiberoptic filaments extending from the collector unit to the lightingmodule, the fiber optic filaments having first ends disposed in thecollector unit to receive radiation from the radiation source and secondends disposed in the lighting module whereby radiation received by thefirst ends of the fiber optic filaments is transmitted from thecollector unit to the lighting module and wherein the transmittedradiation illuminates an area external to the lighting module; and aplurality of externally powered light sources mounted within thelighting module; and a control unit operatively connected to theplurality of externally powered light sources and selectivelytransmitting and blocking power to the externally powered light sourcessuch that when power is transmitted, the externally powered lightsources illuminate the area external to the lighting module, and whenpower is blocked, the externally powered light sources do not illuminatethe area external to the lighting module.
 10. The multi-mode lightingsystem of claim 9, further comprising a battery operatively connected tothe control unit such that electrical power stored within the batterycan be transmitted by the control unit to power the externally poweredlight sources.
 11. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 10, furthercomprising a photovoltaic element that generates electricity whenexposed to radiation, the photovoltaic element being operativelyconnected to the battery for charging the battery with the generatedelectricity.
 12. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 9, furthercomprising a light sensor associated with the lighting module fordetermining the intensity of light in the area adjacent to the lightingmodule.
 13. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 12, wherein thelight sensor is operatively connected to the control unit to cause thecontrol unit to transmit power to the externally powered light sourceswhen the intensity of light in the area adjacent to the lighting moduledrops below a predetermined level, whereby the externally powered lightsources provide light in the area adjacent to the lighting module. 14.The multi-mode lighting system of claim 13, further comprising a batteryoperatively connected to the control unit for supplying power to theexternally powered light sources through the control unit when the lightintensity in the area adjacent to the lighting module drops below apredetermined level.
 15. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 14,further comprising a connection for an external power source operativelyconnected to the control unit for supplying power from the externalpower source to the externally powered light sources through the controlunit when the light intensity in the area adjacent to the lightingmodule drops below a predetermined level and the power available fromthe battery alone is insufficient to power the externally powered lightsources.
 16. The multi-mode lighting system of claim 9, wherein thecontrol unit is activated by one of a manual switch or timer.